“The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown”
- H.P. Lovecraft, Supernatural Horror in Literature
I set out to make this deck because Lovecraft has been a huge influence on my creativity and indeed, my love of literature. Supernatural Horror , Cosmicism in Lovecraft’s case, is at once terrifying and incredibly freeing. I wanted to capture the essence of an investigator’s case within a deck of Magic cards. Looking for clues and deciphering the signs, knowing that ultimately it will all end.
This deck is based on fear and terror; a descent into madness.
Lazav, Dimir Mastermind has used his tendrils of intrigue to pierce the veil and summon the great old ones.
This is a Lovecraftian-themed EDH deck that still manages to be somewhat competitive.
There's a mill theme to represent sanity loss, artifacts for the elder signs, various creatures from beyond, men of science and the dark arts, as well as the elder gods. All culminating in the Laboratory Maniac 's Doomsday ritual, for that which is not dead cannot eternal lie. And with strange aeons even death may die.
[EDH] It's built to be a casual format and to a specific vision, and if you don't like the vision, there's nothing wrong with that, but it's not going to change to accommodate everyone. Big tent is not a goal.
H.P Lovecraft and no mention of Cthulu? How could you? The H.P. Lovecraft theme would be pretty cool if you could give a little ode to Cthulu and Dagon using Dark Depths, lets face it, Marit Lage is pretty much Cthulu.
H.P Lovecraft and no mention of Cthulu? How could you? The H.P. Lovecraft theme would be pretty cool if you could give a little ode to Cthulu and Dagon using Dark Depths, lets face it, Marit Lage is pretty much Cthulu.
Cthulhu is not the only character he's created. He may be the most well known, but I left him out on purpose. Dark Depths is a cute card, but I have no room for Vampire Hex Mage or Aether Snap and Thespian's Stage is in another deck.
[EDH] It's built to be a casual format and to a specific vision, and if you don't like the vision, there's nothing wrong with that, but it's not going to change to accommodate everyone. Big tent is not a goal.
Lorthos, the Tidemaker could be your Cthulhu or maybe, Grozoth (although that's a stretch), either you you'd probably want some ramp to fit those dudes in with everything else going on
[EDH] It's built to be a casual format and to a specific vision, and if you don't like the vision, there's nothing wrong with that, but it's not going to change to accommodate everyone. Big tent is not a goal.
Really love the deck. It is not only fantastically flavorful (and awesome), but it seems like there are a lot of strong card choices as well (i.e. no Elder Spawn-types). My only recommendation would be to find a spot for Leyline of the Void (or possibly Planar Void). While it's not quite as flavorful as some other options, I think it does fit in the wheelhouse of the unknown, eldrich terror Lovecraft evokes. Also, with your mill sub-theme, I really think you want a bit more grave clearing built into your deck.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"I have seen the true path. I will not warm myself by the fire—I will become the flame."
—Lim-Dul, the Necromancer
As a fan of Lovecraft as well, I really adore this deck. At the moment of writing I'm building my own deck, so maybe the suggestions below might be of use.
Even though not the mightiest of horrors, the Cosmic Horror feels like a monster most dire in this deck. The Necrotic Ooze, a shoggoth of ancient times, might worth the contract. The artifacts of old and forgotten Thran might also be useful. For myself I've enquired the Thran Tome and the cyclopeon Thran Engine. I would also like to recommend the dreaded Nevinyrral’s Disk.
The creature from the Dark Depthstoo is a fiend that should not be forgotten. While not as powerful as it would be with its vampiric minion, its mere presence will make opponents shiver with madness. The Thespian's Stage should be considered, if nothing else but a stage for the King in Yellow.
Thank you!
I had Cosmic Horror in there for a split second, but honestly - there is so much flavor that is actually worth playing that I didn't include it. Necrotic Ooze is a fantastic suggestion - I just need to see if the deck has enough creatures with activated abilities to be worth it
I don't have Thran Tome or Thran Engine but I agree they're both flavorful.
Nevinyarrl's is an excellent addition as well and now I have an extra with the 2014 precons that I'd forgotten about! Great idea.
Thespian's Stage is currently in another deck because it's more competitive. However, if the flavor and Lovecraftian love wins me over eventually I will shift it. It was on my initial list. Dark Depths was in the first version of the deck as well, but I traded it for a_lot_of stuff. I miss it from time to time as a friend made me a foil Cthulhu proxy for Marit Lage...
[EDH] It's built to be a casual format and to a specific vision, and if you don't like the vision, there's nothing wrong with that, but it's not going to change to accommodate everyone. Big tent is not a goal.
Vandar... what a slick deck man! I think this is my favorite vorthos deck I have seen to date. Gotta make it more and more cuthroat so people fear the unknown!
I have never done a mill subtheme so don't feal qualified to comment on a lot of the deck but Unspeakable Symbol looks pretty weak. I know the name and the theme are on point.. but its so ... meh? My vote goes to trading it out for dark ritual... also pretty damn on point and will help you get your fat out sooner. Rhystic study, NEcropotence, Mystic Remora... wow well lots of draw really are themed right if you find you need more.
Really love the deck. It is not only fantastically flavorful (and awesome), but it seems like there are a lot of strong card choices as well (i.e. no Elder Spawn-types). My only recommendation would be to find a spot for Leyline of the Void (or possibly Planar Void). While it's not quite as flavorful as some other options, I think it does fit in the wheelhouse of the unknown, eldrich terror Lovecraft evokes. Also, with your mill sub-theme, I really think you want a bit more grave clearing built into your deck.
I agree with this. Most decks I make thank the player milling me because of all the extra resources I get to play with. Those cards are thematic and good for your game plan. Leyline of the void especially, has been good to me.
Another card that plays nice with DD and leyline for seperate reasons is Ill-Gotten Gains. I've only read a dozen or so lovecraft stories, but this seems to be a fairly consistant sub theme of his work (beings taking power through shady methods). I am not enough of a doomsday expert to know what kinds of lines that might add to the dd pile though.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Current edh decks
Gitrog Lands
Merieke Ri Berit Flicker
Ramos, Dragon Engine Storm
Vandar... what a slick deck man! I think this is my favorite vorthos deck I have seen to date. Gotta make it more and more cuthroat so people fear the unknown!
I have never done a mill subtheme so don't feal qualified to comment on a lot of the deck but Unspeakable Symbol looks pretty weak. I know the name and the theme are on point.. but its so ... meh? My vote goes to trading it out for dark ritual... also pretty damn on point and will help you get your fat out sooner. Rhystic study, NEcropotence, Mystic Remora... wow well lots of draw really are themed right if you find you need more.
Really love the deck. It is not only fantastically flavorful (and awesome), but it seems like there are a lot of strong card choices as well (i.e. no Elder Spawn-types). My only recommendation would be to find a spot for Leyline of the Void (or possibly Planar Void). While it's not quite as flavorful as some other options, I think it does fit in the wheelhouse of the unknown, eldrich terror Lovecraft evokes. Also, with your mill sub-theme, I really think you want a bit more grave clearing built into your deck.
I agree with this. Most decks I make thank the player milling me because of all the extra resources I get to play with. Those cards are thematic and good for your game plan. Leyline of the void especially, has been good to me.
Another card that plays nice with DD and leyline for seperate reasons is Ill-Gotten Gains. I've only read a dozen or so lovecraft stories, but this seems to be a fairly consistant sub theme of his work (beings taking power through shady methods). I am not enough of a doomsday expert to know what kinds of lines that might add to the dd pile though.
Thanks so much for the kind words and the great feedback. I responded to previous posts not realizing that I had updated the decklist! That list in the OP hasn't been updated in a while...I've put the current decklist up there as well as here:
A lot of changes have been done, biggest of which is the removal of the Eldrazi and some single target mill cards. I was using proxies for the Eldrazi until I was able to pick up real ones, but I've got a ton of cards that are functional and flavorful that can fill the deck until I do really get them. I've added some of the suggestions from previous posters while still trying to maintain the flavor. I'd love continued feedback as this deck is quickly becoming my favorite to play.
I'm unsure of removing most of the mill component for more beaters or ETB effects.
[EDH] It's built to be a casual format and to a specific vision, and if you don't like the vision, there's nothing wrong with that, but it's not going to change to accommodate everyone. Big tent is not a goal.
[EDH] It's built to be a casual format and to a specific vision, and if you don't like the vision, there's nothing wrong with that, but it's not going to change to accommodate everyone. Big tent is not a goal.
I love the flavor of the deck, Deck building to this strict of a theme is really fun. Just for fun, I thought I would share my first alter try on this theme. I have been sitting on him for a while, I guess I should get on building
I love the flavor of the deck, Deck building to this strict of a theme is really fun. Just for fun, I thought I would share my first alter try on this theme. I have been sitting on him for a while, I guess I should get on building
Thank you
That is a great chibithulu!! DO IT MAKE THE DECK!!
[EDH] It's built to be a casual format and to a specific vision, and if you don't like the vision, there's nothing wrong with that, but it's not going to change to accommodate everyone. Big tent is not a goal.
removed 2 dedicated, single target mill cards. Both are powerful, but in multiplayer I found the one shot effects to be far too threatening for their cost.
-traumatize
-keening stone
added powerful draw and herbert west, reanimator presence
+necropotence because I have loved this card since my first Ice Age starter deck circa 1995. it's on theme as a powerful cultist ritual and it's competitive
+reanimate because Herbert West! How could I forget him, plus it lets me get some stuff back on the cheap
[EDH] It's built to be a casual format and to a specific vision, and if you don't like the vision, there's nothing wrong with that, but it's not going to change to accommodate everyone. Big tent is not a goal.
I've been having a lot of fun with this deck, it's not oppressive but it's surprisingly effective.
Made a couple updates with a couple of very sweet, on-theme cards from Fate Reforged. Also I took apart my first deck - Thraximundar - to make Scion of the Ur-Dragon and had some lands that fit here.
[EDH] It's built to be a casual format and to a specific vision, and if you don't like the vision, there's nothing wrong with that, but it's not going to change to accommodate everyone. Big tent is not a goal.
"It is vowed that the birds are psychopomps lying in wait for the souls of the dying, and that they time their eerie cries in unison with the sufferer's struggling breath If they can catch the fleeing soul when it leaves the body, they instantly flutter away chittering in daemonic laughter; but if they fail, they subside gradually into a disappointed silence."
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
- H.P. Lovecraft, Supernatural Horror in Literature
I set out to make this deck because Lovecraft has been a huge influence on my creativity and indeed, my love of literature. Supernatural Horror , Cosmicism in Lovecraft’s case, is at once terrifying and incredibly freeing. I wanted to capture the essence of an investigator’s case within a deck of Magic cards. Looking for clues and deciphering the signs, knowing that ultimately it will all end.
This deck is based on fear and terror; a descent into madness.
Lazav, Dimir Mastermind has used his tendrils of intrigue to pierce the veil and summon the great old ones.
This is a Lovecraftian-themed EDH deck that still manages to be somewhat competitive.
There's a mill theme to represent sanity loss, artifacts for the elder signs, various creatures from beyond, men of science and the dark arts, as well as the elder gods. All culminating in the Laboratory Maniac 's Doomsday ritual, for that which is not dead cannot eternal lie. And with strange aeons even death may die.
1x Lazav, Dimir Mastermind
The Nameless
1x Body Double
1x Clever Impersonator
1x Dimir Doppelganger
1x Duplicant
1x Evil Twin
1x Mercurial Pretender
1x Phyrexian Metamorph
1x Vesuvan Doppelganger
Arkham's Inhabitants
1x Archaeomancer
1x Laboratory Maniac
1x Shadowmage Infiltrator
1x Street Wraith
Denizens of R'lyeh
1x Baleful Strix
1x Chasm Skulker
1x Necrotic Ooze
1x Nemesis of Reason
1x Wrexial, the Risen Deep
Eldritch Beings
1x Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver
1x Consuming Aberration
1x Mindshrieker
1x Psychosis Crawler
1x Withered Wretch
Accursed Rituals
1x Beacon of Unrest
1x Black Sun's Zenith
1x Blue Sun's Zenith
1x Deep Analysis
1x Dig Through Time
1x Doomsday
1x Gitaxian Probe
1x Ghastly Conscription
1x Infernal Tribute
1x Lim-Dûl's Vault
1x Night's Whisper
1x Memory Plunder
1x Perilous Research
1x Predict
1x Reanimate
1x Rite of Replication
1x See Beyond
1x Sign in Blood
1x Temporal Trespass
1x Unearth
1x Doom Blade
1x Far / Away
1x Leyline of the Void
1x Malicious Affliction
1x Memory Lapse
1x Mind Grind
1x Necropotence
1x Nevinyrral's Disk
1x Shred Memory
1x Sudden Spoiling
1x Whispering Madness
Stones of Sacrifice
1x Altar of the Brood
1x Altar of Dementia
1x Ashnod's Altar
The Cultists' Implements
1x Crystal Shard
1x Darksteel Ingot
1x Dimir Signet
1x Gilded Lotus
1x Library of Leng
1x Sol Ring
1x Talisman of Dominance
Antediluvian Constructions
1x Relic of Progenitus
1x Vedalken Orrery
Settings of Terror
1x Bojuka Bog
1x Cabal Coffers
1x Command Tower
1x Drowned Catacomb
1x Duskmantle, House of Shadow
1x Evolving Wilds
1x Maze of Ith
1x Nephalia Drownyard
1x Polluted Delta
1x Reflecting Pool
1x Reliquary Tower
1x Sunken Ruins
1x Tainted Peak
1x Temple of the False God
1x Thespian's Stage
1x Vesuva
1x Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
1x Watery Grave
9x Island
6x Swamp
Cthulhu is not the only character he's created. He may be the most well known, but I left him out on purpose. Dark Depths is a cute card, but I have no room for Vampire Hex Mage or Aether Snap and Thespian's Stage is in another deck.
Grimoire of the Dead seems like a flavorful fit, could represent the prevalence of books in the mythos as a whole, if not any specific tome.
My Trade Thread
You sir. OH YES!! I have it too...what to cut...what to cut
Thank you
—Lim-Dul, the Necromancer
EDH/Commander
WWMichiko Konda, Truth Seeker Mono-White Control
RWBasandra, Battle Seraph Sunforger Shenanigans
GRWZacama Loam & Lands
Cube
Draft my "Classic Border Cube"
WUBRGCheck out some of my older lists and my Type4 Cube!GRBUW
UBRThraximundar, Tribal ZombiesUBR
WURZedruu's Great TradesWUR
Thank you!
I had Cosmic Horror in there for a split second, but honestly - there is so much flavor that is actually worth playing that I didn't include it.
Necrotic Ooze is a fantastic suggestion - I just need to see if the deck has enough creatures with activated abilities to be worth it
I don't have Thran Tome or Thran Engine but I agree they're both flavorful.
Nevinyarrl's is an excellent addition as well and now I have an extra with the 2014 precons that I'd forgotten about! Great idea.
Thespian's Stage is currently in another deck because it's more competitive. However, if the flavor and Lovecraftian love wins me over eventually I will shift it. It was on my initial list.
Dark Depths was in the first version of the deck as well, but I traded it for a_lot_of stuff. I miss it from time to time as a friend made me a foil Cthulhu proxy for Marit Lage...
I have never done a mill subtheme so don't feal qualified to comment on a lot of the deck but Unspeakable Symbol looks pretty weak. I know the name and the theme are on point.. but its so ... meh? My vote goes to trading it out for dark ritual... also pretty damn on point and will help you get your fat out sooner. Rhystic study, NEcropotence, Mystic Remora... wow well lots of draw really are themed right if you find you need more.
I agree with this. Most decks I make thank the player milling me because of all the extra resources I get to play with. Those cards are thematic and good for your game plan. Leyline of the void especially, has been good to me.
Another card that plays nice with DD and leyline for seperate reasons is Ill-Gotten Gains. I've only read a dozen or so lovecraft stories, but this seems to be a fairly consistant sub theme of his work (beings taking power through shady methods). I am not enough of a doomsday expert to know what kinds of lines that might add to the dd pile though.
Gitrog Lands
Merieke Ri Berit Flicker
Ramos, Dragon Engine Storm
Thanks so much for the kind words and the great feedback. I responded to previous posts not realizing that I had updated the decklist! That list in the OP hasn't been updated in a while...I've put the current decklist up there as well as here:
1x Body Double
1x Clever Impersonator
1x Dimir Doppelganger
1x Duplicant
1x Evil Twin
1x Mercurial Pretender
1x Phyrexian Metamorph
1x Vesuvan Doppelganger
Arkham's Inhabitants
1x Archaeomancer
1x Laboratory Maniac
1x Notion Thief
1x Shadowmage Infiltrator
1x Street Wraith
Denizens of R'lyeh
1x Baleful Strix
1x Chasm Skulker
1x Necrotic Ooze
1x Nemesis of Reason
1x Wrexial, the Risen Deep
Eldritch Beings
1x Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver
1x Consuming Aberration
1x Mindshrieker
1x Psychosis Crawler
1x Withered Wretch
Accursed Rituals
1x Beacon of Unrest
1x Black Sun's Zenith
1x Blue Sun's Zenith
1x Deep Analysis
1x Dig Through Time
1x Doomsday
1x Gitaxian Probe
1x Infernal Tribute
1x Lim-Dûl's Vault
1x Night's Whisper
1x Memory Plunder
1x Perilous Research
1x Predict
1x Rite of Replication
1x See Beyond
1x Sign in Blood
1x Stolen Identity
1x Unearth
1x Cyclonic Rift
1x Doom Blade
1x Far / Away
1x Leyline of the Void
1x Malicious Affliction
1x Memory Lapse
1x Mind Funeral
1x Mind Grind
1x Nevinyrral's Disk
1x Traumatize
1x Shred Memory
1x Sudden Spoiling
1x Whispering Madness
Stones of Sacrifice
1x Altar of the Brood
1x Altar of Dementia
1x Ashnod's Altar
The Cultists' Implements
1x Crystal Shard
1x Darksteel Ingot
1x Dimir Signet
1x Gilded Lotus
1x Library of Leng
1x Sol Ring
1x Talisman of Dominance
Antediluvian Constructions
1x Keening Stone
1x Relic of Progenitus
1x Vedalken Orrery
Settings of Terror
1x Bojuka Bog
1x Command Tower
1x Drowned Catacomb
1x Duskmantle, House of Shadow
1x Evolving Wilds
1x Maze of Ith
1x Nephalia Drownyard
1x Polluted Delta
1x Reliquary Tower
1x Terramorphic Expanse
1x Temple of the False God
1x Thespian's Stage
1x Vesuva
1x Watery Grave
10x Island
9x Swamp
A lot of changes have been done, biggest of which is the removal of the Eldrazi and some single target mill cards. I was using proxies for the Eldrazi until I was able to pick up real ones, but I've got a ton of cards that are functional and flavorful that can fill the deck until I do really get them. I've added some of the suggestions from previous posters while still trying to maintain the flavor. I'd love continued feedback as this deck is quickly becoming my favorite to play.
I'm unsure of removing most of the mill component for more beaters or ETB effects.
Tatyova | Anje
Alela | Marchesa
Wanderer
He is very close to Cthulhu yes, but the deck is more about Lovecraft stories and mythos - so he's in there, but won't be the general.
WUBRGCommander Decklists - PaperWUBRG
CCCCCommander Decklists - TheorycraftCCCC
Sig Credit: Pegasus Bishop
(Also, sweet deck)
Draft my Mono-Blue Cube!
lichess.org | chess.com
Chittering Rats
Scrib Nibblers
Gnat Miser
Locust Miser
Stronghold Rats
Typhoid Rats
Ravenous Rats
Rotting Rats
Thank you
That is a great chibithulu!! DO IT MAKE THE DECK!!
I don't own Emrakul, he's a great Cthulhu fill-in though, but I think he's banned.
Playing Cthulhu in this deck is Wrexial, the Risen Deep
removed 2 dedicated, single target mill cards. Both are powerful, but in multiplayer I found the one shot effects to be far too threatening for their cost.
-traumatize
-keening stone
added powerful draw and herbert west, reanimator presence
+necropotence because I have loved this card since my first Ice Age starter deck circa 1995. it's on theme as a powerful cultist ritual and it's competitive
+reanimate because Herbert West! How could I forget him, plus it lets me get some stuff back on the cheap
landscape shifts because really...the big mana is necessary.
-2x swamp
+Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
+Cabal Coffers
Made a couple updates with a couple of very sweet, on-theme cards from Fate Reforged. Also I took apart my first deck - Thraximundar - to make Scion of the Ur-Dragon and had some lands that fit here.
1x Notion Thief
1x Stolen Identity
1x Terramorphic Expanse
1x Swamp
1x Island
1x Ghastly Conscription
1x Temporal Trespass
1x Reflecting Pool
1x Sunken Ruins
1x Tainted Peak
I'm still looking to slot in Worst Fears, but I'm having trouble dropping anything. Feedback is very welcome
wizards literally made a perfect lovecraftian green card that fits perfectly into the Dunwich horror.
Whippoorwill
"It is vowed that the birds are psychopomps lying in wait for the souls of the dying, and that they time their eerie cries in unison with the sufferer's struggling breath If they can catch the fleeing soul when it leaves the body, they instantly flutter away chittering in daemonic laughter; but if they fail, they subside gradually into a disappointed silence."